868 (Mirfield) Squadron marks 80th anniversary of Air Training Corps

Virtual meeting: 868 (Mirfield) Squadron cadets, staff and committee members mark the 80th Anniversary of the Air Training Corps.

Civilian Instructor Sue Doubell started the evening by setting the scene for life as a teenager in 1941, leading into a cinema film advertising the newly formed Air Training Corps; at that time only for ‘young men’ aged 16 and above.

Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Peter Doubell gave a presentation covering how the organisation was formed and had developed over the years:

He also reflected on changes in uniform, including his own experience of joining when the issue included one collar-detached shirt with two collars, to be help in place by collar-studs.

Wartime: 1427 (Mirfield) Squadron members in 1941.

The Squadron Chaplain, Rev’d Christine Shedd, talked about the Cadet’s Promise as a commitment not only to life as an air cadet, but also as an approach to life in general.

A spokesman said: “Toasts were proposed by Sgt Sam Cookland, WO Simon Kelly, and FS Rebecca Jagger, who toasted Captain Sir Tom Moore.”